The equity action spectrum: taking a comprehensive approach : guidance for addressing inequities in health

Abstract

While population health indicators have improved across Europe overall, that improvement has not been experienced equally everywhere, or by all.

This is one of a series of policy briefs that describe practical actions to address health inequities, especially in relation to tobacco, alcohol, obesity and injury, the priority public health challenges facing Europe.

It offers policy-makers and public health professionals the tools and guidance to implement the Health 2020 vision – the new health policy framework for Europe developed by WHO/Europe - and the recommendations of the review of social determinants of health and the health divide led by Sir Michael Marmot and his team. This policy brief provides a framework that policy-makers at national, regional and local levels can apply to their own unique context, to help them consider the processes by which inequities occur and suggest policy interventions to address them.